Pate’s campaign reported receiving the money from Morales’ campaign committee on Aug. 24. Iowa law bars candidates from accepting contributions from another candidate’s committee, including committees from other states, unless both committees are established for the same person.

Des Moines resident Lara Plecas filed an ethics complaint on Oct. 20, alleging Pate’s campaign violated that restriction. The day after the complaint was filed, Pate told the Des Moines Register that his campaign had returned the money and would amend its finance report.

“We have returned the monies and are amending our financial report,” Pate said in a statement on Oct. 22.

Pate, a Republican seeking a fifth term, raised about $48,000 during the latest fundraising period. After returning Morales’ contribution, his campaign was expected to have about $36,000 on hand. His Democratic opponent, Ryan Peterman, reported raising $184,690 and having $185,110 in cash on hand.

Peterman criticized Pate’s acceptance of the donation, calling it “blatant corruption” and saying candidates are prohibited from taking contributions from other candidates. Pate and Morales had campaigned together at the Iowa State Fair in August, Peterman noted.

Plecas has voiced support on social media for Peterman. The Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board had not responded to a request for clarification about the law when the report was published. The complaint’s filing does not itself establish that a violation occurred.